Out of the house and into the fray...
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Aloha, friends--
Here we are in the hot, beautiful middle days of summer. Yes, the golden season has finally arrived in the Pacific Northwest, and I'm enjoying every single minute of it. Earlier today, I was mapping out my "work plan" for the book I'm currently writing. (It's still top secret: I'm just starting). Anyway, I was in the lounge chair in the sun with my yellow pad and favorite pen. It was absolutely beautiful. I could see the pond in my back yard; there were deer walking through, mingling with our horses in the pasture, and starlings flying overhead. You'll notice how much I was watching the back yard and how little I was actually writing, I know, but how can it be otherwise on such a gorgeous day? In fact, if you check out my photo album on the website, you can see the exact view I was looking at.
But this week, it's not really writing that's on my mind. Next week I'll be going to a big writer's conference. It's a conference I've been attending more or less regularly for almost twenty years. Back then, I was a wide-eyed beginning writer, looking for advice and confidence. I went to every workshop possible and took hundreds of pages of notes. People like LaVyrle Spencer, Sandra Brown, Nora Roberts, Jayne Ann Krentz, Catherine Coulter, and Julie Garwood provided mentorship, advice, encouragement, and information. That's one of the most amazing things about romance writers: they are unfailingly generous with their time and knowledge. Most importantly, it was with this group of women that I learned to believe in the possibility of becoming a writer. I will always thank them for that. These days, the conference has become more social than ever for me. I spend a lot of my time meeting with old friends and making new ones.
I'm looking forward to all of that. But what's first? You guessed it: fashion. This week I'll be running around like crazy doing all of the things I should do on a regular basis anyway. Things like getting my hair cut, getting my nails done, buying sandals that are actually in style, and putting together outfits that match. Worst of all, I absolutely have to go shopping. Honestly, for a gal like me it's almost overwhelming. I can be seen in old college sweats almost every day. :) But not next week. Next week I'll be dressed to the nines and hanging out with my friends and drinking cocktails with pretty little umbrellas...Woohoo!
When I get back, I'll have lots of photos to download onto the blog (I promise, Kim; I'll really remember to bring my camera this time). But for now, I say you all join me in going "girly" this week. Grab a friend and go for manicures...or sit on your own deck and have a glass of champagne with your best friend. Or just call someone you haven't called for a long time and say hey.
Wish me luck!
Aloha, girls---
Kristin
Here we are in the hot, beautiful middle days of summer. Yes, the golden season has finally arrived in the Pacific Northwest, and I'm enjoying every single minute of it. Earlier today, I was mapping out my "work plan" for the book I'm currently writing. (It's still top secret: I'm just starting). Anyway, I was in the lounge chair in the sun with my yellow pad and favorite pen. It was absolutely beautiful. I could see the pond in my back yard; there were deer walking through, mingling with our horses in the pasture, and starlings flying overhead. You'll notice how much I was watching the back yard and how little I was actually writing, I know, but how can it be otherwise on such a gorgeous day? In fact, if you check out my photo album on the website, you can see the exact view I was looking at.
But this week, it's not really writing that's on my mind. Next week I'll be going to a big writer's conference. It's a conference I've been attending more or less regularly for almost twenty years. Back then, I was a wide-eyed beginning writer, looking for advice and confidence. I went to every workshop possible and took hundreds of pages of notes. People like LaVyrle Spencer, Sandra Brown, Nora Roberts, Jayne Ann Krentz, Catherine Coulter, and Julie Garwood provided mentorship, advice, encouragement, and information. That's one of the most amazing things about romance writers: they are unfailingly generous with their time and knowledge. Most importantly, it was with this group of women that I learned to believe in the possibility of becoming a writer. I will always thank them for that. These days, the conference has become more social than ever for me. I spend a lot of my time meeting with old friends and making new ones.
I'm looking forward to all of that. But what's first? You guessed it: fashion. This week I'll be running around like crazy doing all of the things I should do on a regular basis anyway. Things like getting my hair cut, getting my nails done, buying sandals that are actually in style, and putting together outfits that match. Worst of all, I absolutely have to go shopping. Honestly, for a gal like me it's almost overwhelming. I can be seen in old college sweats almost every day. :) But not next week. Next week I'll be dressed to the nines and hanging out with my friends and drinking cocktails with pretty little umbrellas...Woohoo!
When I get back, I'll have lots of photos to download onto the blog (I promise, Kim; I'll really remember to bring my camera this time). But for now, I say you all join me in going "girly" this week. Grab a friend and go for manicures...or sit on your own deck and have a glass of champagne with your best friend. Or just call someone you haven't called for a long time and say hey.
Wish me luck!
Aloha, girls---
Kristin
17 Comments:
Hi Kristin,
I enjoyed reading your thoughts about writer's workshops. I attended one several years ago but I didn't enjoy it very much because I felt out of place. Very little of the information was for "new" writers like myself, and most of the participants were already "partially established writers. I came away very disappointed, but I would really like to attend another one soon. Are there any in the Pacific Northwest that you can recommend (or that you like to attend?)?
Thanks,
Andrea Marshall
PS: My husband and I were in Leavenworth this weekend and it brought back memories of meeting you at your book signing there last March! It's a memory I will always treasure, and I hope you'll do another "tour" for your next book-which I can't wait to read! :)
Looking forward to seeing you again in SF, Kristin! I'll be going through much of the same preparations this week before flying down there this weekend. Where did the time go?!
Christina
I'm so jealous! I wish I could go this year. I'm definitely there next year. I had a blast last year. I brought my camera and didn't take one photo. I always think it seems so stalkerish to go around taking photos, so tacky. Like it's bad enough I go around half-coherent and gushing.
Oh, I need a manicure so bad. Maybe I can squeeze one in this weekend. I am going out for cocktails on Thursday so I'll be thinking of everyone in San Francisco.
Have fun and do tell us all the stories fit for a blog when you get back!
~ april
Hmmmmmm. Do I believe the camera promise??? I'm thinking we need to place a wager on this. And when I win...oh, I mean if, if I win, I get to pick the prize!!! LOL LOL LOL As to the "You'll notice how much I was watching the back yard and how little I was actually writing" comment--I'm just rolling my eyes and massaging my sore fingers. :)
You mean you don't look like your publicity shots all the time?! I'm looking forward to seeing you in SF, Kristin--I want my autographed copy of Firefly Lane!
Shelley
http://www.shelleyadina.com
Hi Kristin/
I am getting good at this blogging -next Anderson Cooper and CNN.I wanted to mention two novels I just read,and really enjoyed.Graclin OMalley,and Leaving Irland.They were written by Ann Moore,she lives in Bellingham Wash.,and I found that interesting.Must be the air.I am rather eclectic in my reading.Right now I have my nose in a Patricia Cornwell novel,enjoy anything medical with a twist.Must be the nurse in me.Will soon be heading down the Oregon Coast,go evert year.One of my favorite places.We take a longer holiday in the winter to get a break from the RAIN.
Have a wonderful,safe trip
Regards to all
Hugs
Sharon Canada
HI Kristin,
I am getting rather good at this blogging stuff,soon it will be Anderson Cooper and CNN.I wanted to mention two novels I just read and really enjoyed.They were written bt Ann Moore,and she lives in Bellingham,Wash. Seems rather interesting--must be the air.I am rather eclectic in my reading,have my nose in a Patricia Cornwell nove.Like anything medical.Must be the nurse in me.Will be soon heading down the Oregon Coast go every year.One of my favorite places.We take a longer trip in the winter to have a break from the RAIN.Hello to all the blog gals
Have a fun,safe trip
Iam pretty sure you will look great
Big Hugs
Sharon Canada
Oh, jealous! I attend RWA every 2-3 years because of cost. And since I'm not published, and not using my writing expenses as deductions on my taxes, I can't convince the hubby that going every year is a good thing. Have a great time!
I'm saving to be at the RWA conference next year. It's been two years since I've been to DC to visit April so next year I have to go and why not make it a conference? LOL! Have a great time and I hope to see a lot of pictures!
My nails are a mess. I really need a mani/pedi but with renovations and such, well, I run out of time. I have Friday afternoon off. Perhaps I can do a mani/pedi and see Mamma Mia at a matinee? Hmmm....
K - have a wonderful trip next week! Thanks to everyone who expressed well wishes for my wedding. It was a blessed day, and I would be happy to share a photo. After taking a long week of no reading, TV, computers, etc.... to be with my husband, I'm back in the swing of things, and almost finished reading True Colors. WOW, WOW, WOW. I'll email my thoughts on the book directly to Kristin, because I want to be specific in my feedback. Don't want to spoil it for anyone! I can promise you, Cindy and I were very luck to get this opportunity. It's been an honor to read. I've tried to read slow and savor every bit of it. Sometimes that is impossible. Like last night ...... read until 1am.
Kim, if you want to let me know how to share a photo with you guys, I'm happy to do that. Or, I can attach it to my email to Kristin. Just let me know.
Best to all of you!
Lisa, my email address is [email protected] please email me pictures and I'd LOVE to talk to you about True Colors!!!!! Congrats on your wedding and I best wishes for love, life and laughter!
I am almost done w/ the Twilight Series, if you haven't read it, pick it up. I am anxiously awaiting Breaking Dawn and will be there with so many others at the midnight release, crazy, huh?
Kristin, I called my best friend every day this week, it was great. I hope you have a great time and Kim, you are so funny! I am going on vacation so I hope the next time I visit, we'll see pictures.
Hi Kristin! I just finished "The Things We Do Fo Love" and I thought it was wonderful! I read it in a week but for me, that's a record! I don't know when the last time I finished a book in that short of time. With family life, work, and a three year old...well, I'm sure you understand. Anyway, this was my second book (I read "On Mystic Lake" a few weeks ago) and when I went to our local library today, I was so disappointed to see that all your other books were checked out - Good for you/Bad for me! ;) Just wanted to give you a shout out and let you know that I have found a new favorite author! Aloha - Laura
Kristin--
I read through your blog entries tonight and just wanted to thank you. I love your books and have been a fan for years. I'm also an aspiring writer. And hope to attend the national RWA conference in two years. Joining RWA has been a huge help and I agree that romance writers are sincere and helpful to all writers. I've been around "literary" writers in conferences and couldn't believe the differences in attitudes when I joined RWA.
I can't wait to read your next book! I'd love to read about your writing process if you ever have time to blog on the topic.
--tina
Dear Andrea--
Great to hear from you again! I know what you mean about how intimidating it can be to try to merge into the traffic of a writer's conference. At my first one, a long time ago now, I stood along the wall like a curtain. Luckily for me, my husband was with me. He took a hold of my shoulders and gave me a gentle push and out into the crowd I went. Amazingly, the woman I ran into became one of my best friends. That's how it goes at these things. You just have to shove off and take what you need. A lot of the stuff will be over a beginner's head. That's totally cool. Just let it be that way and sit in the front row and take notes and do what you can. In the Pacific Northwest, I recommend the Emerald City conference. It's in late October, I believe. Check with the Seattle Chapter of Romance WRiters of America. And definitely join your local chapter. Even if you are writing another genre, it will really help you with the business of writing and introduce you to other beginners and long time professionals.
good luck!
Kristin
Naomi, Shelly, Sharon, and April--
It's great to hear from you guys. It sounds like we all need a big ole girls spa day to take care of our nails. :)
I'll post about the conference when I get back!
aloha,
K
Lisa W--
:) Big congrats on the big day! Can't wait for photos. Glad you're enjoying True Colors. I won't be online for a week, but I look forward to your scoop when I get back.
aloha,
k
Laura--
Welcome to the blog!! It's fabulous to e-meet you. I'm glad you liked Things we Do for Love. That was one of my first "family" books and really set the stage for several of the books to come. Especially True Colors.
Anyway, I'm off to the airport, but keep in touch!
aloha,
K
Tina Marie--
Welcome!
I agree with you about the attitude of the women in RWA. They're so smart and welcoming to new writers. I didn't actually realize that I had so many aspiring authors on my blog, so I guess I better do a few columns on the craft of writing when I get home. Remind me. I have the memory of a sieve.
again, thanks for joining in.
aloha,
K
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